Philly seeks to prove pattern of priest pedophiles

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Prosecutors seeking to convict four Roman Catholic priests in a pedophilia case want to use evidence of other sex-assault complaints and priest transfers in the Philadelphia archdiocese.

Prosecutors have filed a motion to include relevant conduct at the high-profile March trial.

Sixty-year-old Monsignor William Lynn is the first U.S. church official charged with child endangerment for allegedly transferring predator priests so they could abuse new victims.

Two priests, an ex-priest and a teacher are charged in the same case with raping two boys.

Prosecutors hope to show Monsignor Lynn had a pattern of transferring known predators, and that priests “had the opportunity and cover” to abuse minors.

Defense lawyers cannot comment on today’s filing because of a gag order. They have a month to file their response.